Springfield, MO Meeting Planning Overview

Welcome to Cvent's Meeting and Event Planning Guide to Springfield, a city guide for meeting professionals. Springfield's breathtaking natural beauty, strong history, cultural attractions and comfortable accommodations make the third-largest city in Missouri a world-class destination. Known as the Queen City of the Ozarks, Springfield sits atop a plateau of the Ozark Mountains, the largest mountain range in the country. The city's central location in the U.S. makes it a convenient geographic locale, while its natural wonders and thriving cultural scene make it an ideal meeting place.

Delegates traveling to Springfield have their pick of two area airports, which include the Springfield-Branson National Airport and Branson Airport. Situated at the northwest edge of Springfield, just five miles northwest of Springfield's central business district, Springfield-Branson National Airport features direct flights to eight U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Denver, Las Vegas, Orlando, Phoenix and Tampa/St. Petersburg. Opened in 2009, the 10-gate Midfield Terminal Springfield-Branson Regional Airport streamlines passenger traffic with its optimal functional design, and features both dining and shopping options, including two deli locations and two news shops. Situated about an hour outside of Springfield, Branson Airport offers nonstop service to Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston and Orlando, as well as connecting service to major markets nationwide.

Located in Springfield's beautiful Jordan Valley Park and just one block from downtown, the Springfield Expo Center features sweeping meeting spaces, state-of-the-art technology and a full suite of amenities. Totaling more than 112,000 square feet of convention space, the center features an open, airy interior, seven breakout rooms and a 45,000-square-foot Expo Hall divisible into three separate spaces. The 25,200-square-foot Lower Hall can accommodate 2,650 people, while the 21,500-square-foot Upper Hall can accommodate 2,250 people. The Springfield Expo Center is surrounded by shopping, nightlife and more than 50 restaurants. The 217-room University Plaza Hotel, which manages all of the center's events, is located right across the street and features such amenities as a full-service business center, cutting-edge fitness center and an additional 39,000 square feet of meeting space.

Surrounded by accessible lakes, rivers and streams, among Springfield's most valuable assets are the city's natural wonders, including Fantastic Caverns, the only cave in North America large enough to drive through. The city's Jordan Valley Park is a 12-acre public park designed to mix open space, buildings, water features, meadows, playgrounds and plazas. The park is home to not only the Springfield Expo Center, but also the 7,896-seat Hammons Field, home to the AA Springfield Cardinals, as well as two regulation-sized ice rinks and a walking trail that provides direct access to central Springfield. The city is also home to Missouri's most-visited attraction, the internationally renowned Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World headquarters, a true wildlife exhibition center set in the rustic atmosphere of a giant log cabin, complete with saltwater and freshwater aquariums, live animal exhibits, waterfalls, archery and pistol ranges and more.

Numerous attractions are spread throughout the city area, offering perfect venues for events and meetings. After a major expansion in 2006, Springfield's Discovery Center was named the first LEED-certified building in southwest Missouri. The Discovery Center features hands-on exhibits and adventures for both adults and children, as well as several ideal spaces for meetings and group gatherings, including a 2,700-square-foot Auditorium and Foyer, two classrooms and a 50-seat theater, among various galleries. Hammons Field, home to the Double A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, features a variety of private group seating areas, including five dugout decks for 20 to 120 people, luxury suites and patio spaces for pre-game picnics and events. The historic Gillioz Theatre, recently restored to its original 1926 splendor (complete with a formal lobby, detailed architecture and a golden sky of ornate paintings), hosts a variety of shows and events and offers spaces for groups of 10 to 1,000 people. Perfectly outfitted for trade shows, exhibitions, training events and more, the 76-acre Ozark Empire Fairgrounds & Event Center serves as the home of the Ozark Empire Fair, the largest annual event in the Ozarks. Rental facilities range from the sprawling E*Plex, which features 85,100 square feet of exhibit space, a roofed 8,000-seat Grandstand and three exhibition halls connected by a common 2,000-square-foot lobby to a number of barns and an outdoor stage that can be used for private gatherings.

About Springfield, MO / Additional Info

Springfield's friendly, laid-back atmosphere, culturally significant attractions and network of public parks and greenways make this Ozark city one of a kind, as well as a fantastic meeting and leisure destination.

Many visit Springfield to get back to nature. There are more than 7,500 miles of freshwater shoreline along accessible lakes, streams and rivers within a few miles of Springfield, offering ample room to fish, take part in water sports, just relax or see some exotic wildlife. Springfield's Dickerson Park Zoo is home to more than 500 animals, representing 160 species in an extremely naturalistic setting. Internationally renowned for its successful Asian elephant breeding, the zoo features themed exhibits representing South America, Australia, Africa and Missouri habitats.

Springfield's modern history begins with its 1829 founding. The city was the site of the second major battle of the Civil War, now recognized at the 1,750-acre Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, one of the most historically pristine battle sites in the country. Located 10 miles southeast of Springfield, the 1,750-acre battlefield is home to the Wilson's Creek Civil War Museum, which features Civil War exhibits and artifacts, while the visitor's center features an educational video, fiber optics battle map and additional Civil War exhibits. The battlefield offers guided tours, historic weapon firing demonstrations and five walking trails, as well as a 4.9-mile-long automobile tour along all major points of interest, complete with maps, artwork and historical information.

The first recorded shootout of the Wild West era took place in Springfield in 1865, when Wild Bill Hickok and Dave Hutt drew their guns after a poker game, an event that made national news. The 1870 arrival of the railroad in Springfield bolstered the city's economy, while the city was officially named the birthplace of Route 66 in 1926, which became the first transcontinental highway in America in 1938. Today, Springfield's major industries include health care, manufacturing, education and tourism. Higher learning also holds a strong presence in the city, as Springfield is home to such schools as Missouri State University, Drury University and Webster University, among others.

Nearby popular attractions and activities include Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours, a premier eco-adventure experience perfect for group outings. Participants zipline from platform to platform and traverse multiple sky bridges through the tree canopy, thanks to a variety of tours designed for beginners. Those who prefer to stay on the ground can opt for the Wolfe Creek Photo Safari Guided Walking Tour, which starts off with a ride up the mountain in authentic Pinzgauer Swiss Army Troop Carriers. Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction in Branson serves as a fun family feast and show for all ages. All shows feature live animals and dramatic lighting, sound and pyrotechnics, as well as horse riding stunts, special effects and music productions, all going on while guests enjoy a four-course dinner in the 35,000-square-foot main arena.

Speaking of feasts, Springfield is home to a number of fine restaurants specializing in a variety of regional and globally inspired offerings. Flame Steakhouse & Wine Bar serves Certified Angus Beef wet aged and dry aged in house, while the comfortable Leong's Asian Diner is known for its Chinese and American fare, including its legendary Springfield-style cashew chicken. Big Whiskey's American Bar & Grill serves as a popular hangout and place to enjoy sandwiches, burgers, entrees and more, while Hemingway's Bluewater Cafe at Bass Pro Shops specializes in fresh seafood served in an atmosphere inspired by American saltwater fishing legend Ernest Hemingway. Last but not least, Springfield Brewing Company pairs its award-winning, handcrafted ales and lagers with an expansive American pub menu.

The city of Springfield experiences a mild year-round climate and four distinct seasons, with an average year-round high of 67°F and year-round low of 45°F. On average, Springfield’s warmest month is July, with an average high of 90°F and average low of 67°F, while the city’s coldest month is January, with an average high of 42°F and average low of 22°F. Springfield’s winter temperatures hover in the mid 30s, with an average snowfall of 20 inches per year. The city’s rainfall is evenly spread throughout the year, with June being the wettest month, seeing an average of just over five inches of rain. The most popular time to visit Springfield is during the summer months, which bring mild temperatures, plenty of sunshine and low humidity.

Meeting Planning in Springfield, MO

Springfield Exposition Center

The Springfield Expo Center, located in Springfield's 12-acre Jordan Valley Park and just one block from the downtown district, features sweeping, modern architecture, fantastic amenities and superior meeting spaces. The center is conveniently located just five miles away from the Springfield Branson Regional Airport, surrounded by more than 50 restaurants, shopping and nightlife, and a short walk away from Drury University and Missouri State University. Totaling more than 112,000 square feet of convention space, the Springfield Expo Center features a 45,000-square-foot column-free Expo Hall, divisible into three separate spaces, with 35-foot-tall ceilings. The center's seven breakout meeting rooms each measure 624 square feet and each accommodate up to 65 people, while the 25,200-square-foot Lower Hall can accommodate 2,650 people and 21,500-squre-foot Upper Hall can accommodate 2,250 people.

Opened in September 2003, the $16 million Springfield Expo Center features high-speed Internet access and state-of-the-art audiovisual resources throughout the facility. The Springfield Expo Center's curving, welcoming exterior is rivaled only by the center's sweeping interior space, marked by neutral hues, sprawling skylights, elegant recessed lighting and an open, airy atmosphere. The center also features in-house catering services and a 977-space adjacent parking garage. The University Plaza Hotel, located directly across the street from the Springfield Expo Center, manages all of the center's events. The 217-room hotel features a full-service business center, indoor and outdoor pools, a cutting-edge fitness center and sauna, as well as high-speed Internet access throughout the hotel. The hotel also features an additional 39,000 square feet of meeting space throughout 21 meeting rooms and 12,800-square-foot Grand Ballroom.

Springfield, MO Airport Information

Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF)

Distance: 8 milesApproximate taxi fare: $27 USD

Springfield-Branson National Airport is located at the northwest edge of Springfield, just five miles northwest of Springfield's central business district and 40 miles north of Branson. The airport features direct flights to eight U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Denver, Las Vegas, Orlando, Phoenix and Tampa/St. Petersburg. Opened in 2009, the 10-gate Midfield Terminal Springfield-Branson Regional Airport streamlines passenger traffic with its optimal functional design, and features both dining and shopping options, including two deli locations and two news shops. The airport also features both short- and long-term parking located directly across from the terminal.

Airline carriers serving Springfield-Branson National Airport:

American Airlines

Allegiant

Delta

United

Branson Airport (BKG)

Approximate taxi fare: $ 139 USD

Situated about an hour outside of Springfield and 10 minutes from the center of Branson, Branson Airport offers nonstop service to Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston and Orlando, and connecting service to major markets nationwide. Opened in 2009, the airport offers short- and long-term parking.

Airline carriers serving Branson Airport:

Branson AirExpress

Frontier

Southwest Airlines

Springfield, MO Ground Transportation

City Utilities Bus System

Springfield's public bus system, coined "The Bus," operates along a 173-mile-long route, offering service to such popular destinations as the Springfield-Branson Regional Airport and Springfield Expo Center. Providing safe, convenient and affordable transportation, The Bus operates 14 fixed day routes and four fixed night routes, as well as paratransit service. Daytime routes run Monday through Saturday from 6 AM to 6:35 PM and Sunday from 7 AM to 11 PM, while night routes run Monday through Sunday from 6 to 11 PM. Bus fares are $1.25 for adults and $1 for children ages 5 to 18. Children under 5 ride for free. A day-long unlimited pass may be purchased for $3.75 for adults and $3.00 for children, and a seven-day unlimited pass for $13 for adults and $10 for children, while each transfer runs $0.10 per passenger.

Greyhound

Springfield's Greyhound service station, open daily from 4:30 AM to 8:30 AM and noon to midnight, is located at 2425 East Kearney Street.

Rental Cars

Avis, Budget, Dollar Rent A Car, Enterprise, Hertz, National/Alamo and Thrifty, are represented at Springfield Branson Regional Airport, while Alamo, Enterprise and National are represented at Branson Airport.

Taxi

Visitors traveling to Springfield via Springfield/Branson National Airport should expect to pay about $22 in taxi fare, while those traveling from Branson Airport should expect to pay about $80.